In addition to our proactive measures over the past several weeks, we are taking new steps to assist those who continue to be affected by the hurricane's aftermath.

Who This Affects
The new relief measures apply to fully insured business and members in impacted parishes in Louisiana and comply with the recently issued Louisiana Department of Insurance emergency order. The parishes listed in the Louisiana Department of Insurance order include:

Please be aware that this list of parishes may change based on the evolving situation. We strongly recommend you visit local government Web sites for updates.

Effective Dates
These new measures are effective (retroactively) from August 30 through October 1, 2008.

New Measures
Coverage for Medical Services for Fully Insured Members in Impacted Parishes in Louisiana

• Members who require care and are unable to determine the network status of the physician or care facility will be not be subject to a benefit reduction for seeing an out-of-network provider. We encourage members who have been displaced to call the number on the back of their ID card for assistance.
• Member Timely Filing: We will extend any claim filing deadlines for members who notify us that they have been impacted by the hurricane.
• Waive Notification Penalties: We will waive contractual restrictions that require preauthorization, or notification requirements for all members in impacted parishes.

Suspension of Cancellation Notices
Any non-renewal, and non-reinstatement on insurance coverage that was in force and effect as of 8/30/2008, during the period 8/30/2008 through 10/01/2008 and related notices will be considered null and void and will be re-issued to the insured on or after 10/01/2008 for those groups that identify as being impacted by the hurricane.

Suspension of premium payment
We will suspend premium payments for the period 8/30/2008 through 10/1/2008 for fully insured groups and individuals who notify us that they have been affected by the hurricane.

Other Existing Measures for Members Continue to Apply

Waive Notification Penalties
We will continue to waive contractual restrictions that require preauthorization, or notification requirements, for members during the period 8/29/08 through 9/12/08 for parishes that were under mandatory evacuation orders (applies to both fully insured and self-funded health plans).

Access to Network Physicians and Facilities
Members who are outside the Louisiana Department of Insurance emergency order area, but continue to be displaced and need assistance or special accommodations should call the telephone number on the back of their medical ID cards. If necessary, customer care professionals will help the member obtain in-network benefits for out-of-network services if a network provider is not available.

Early Refills of Prescription Medications
Effective August 28, 2008 a pharmacy exception for covered prescription refills was proactively implemented through UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions/Medco in Louisiana. This allows fully insured members to obtain an early refill of a prescription medication, providing the member has a refill remaining on file at a participating retail pharmacy. This measure will remain in place for the duration of this event. Please note, this does not affect self-funded business, however, self-funded clients can request to adopt these measures. Please contact your UnitedHealthcare representative for more details.

The pharmacy refill exception also applies to individuals with prescription coverage through our Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Part D offerings, including the AARP MedicareRx plans.

Access to Members Personal Health Record
UnitedHealthcare would like to remind members that they have full access to their personal health record via myuhc.com in the unfortunate event they become displaced or lose their health records.

24-Hour Help Line is Open
We have made available a free help line at 1(800)-689-5703 to people in Louisiana who are trying to cope with the emotional consequences of the advancing hurricane. Staffed by experienced master's-level behavioral health specialists, the free help line assists callers with a range of personal concerns including stress, anxiety and the grieving process. Callers may also receive referrals to a database of community resources to help them with specific concerns, such as financial and legal issues.

The Help Line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for as long as necessary. Service is free of charge. Resources and information are also available via the Internet in English at LiveAndWorkWell.com and in Spanish at Mentesana-Cuerposano.com.

Watch for Updates
We will continue to monitor this situation and any emergency management orders from state officials and we will reassess the need for any additional action at that time.